Cong Vinh: 'Vietnam gained more than lost even though it lost to Japan'

According to former striker Le Cong Vinh, coach Philippe Troussier's team gained many positive things despite their 2-4 defeat against Japan in their opening match of the 2023 Asian Cup.

Facing a Japanese team in world- class form and boasting 20 players currently playing in Europe, Vietnam was predicted to suffer a crushing defeat. In their last 10 matches, the Japanese team averaged 4.5 goals per game – including a 4-1 friendly victory against Germany.

However, with a squad full of young players and a fluid ball-control style of play, Coach Troussier's players entered the match confidently, maintaining possession and coordinating smoothly to limit the opponent's firepower. After conceding a goal in the 11th minute, Vietnam still responded in kind. In the 16th minute, from a corner kick, Do Hung Dung passed to Dinh Bac who headed the ball in to equalize 1-1. About 17 minutes later, the team even took the lead thanks to a tap-in by Pham Tuan Hai.

However, under pressure from Asia's top team, Philippe Troussier's side conceded two goals in quick succession between the 45th and third minutes of added time, falling behind 2-3 after the first half. In the second half, the team held on and only conceded one more goal in the 85th minute from a shot by Ayase Ueda.

Dinh Bac celebrates the equalizer goal (1-1) with his teammates in the match against Japan at the 2023 Asian Cup. Photo: Lam Thoa. — Dinh Bac celebrates the equalizer goal (1-1) with his teammates in the match against Japan at the 2023 Asian Cup. Photo: *Lam Thoa.*

Vietnam's first goal in this match was reminiscent of Cong Vinh's header against Thailand, equalizing the score at 2-2 in the second leg of the 2008 AFF Cup final and helping Vietnam win the tournament. "Dinh Bac's goal was more beautiful than mine because it went into the net against Japan. It was a very difficult scoring opportunity, but he managed it," Cong Vinh shared with VnExpress .

The former Vietnam captain didn't want to judge individual players because everyone tried their best, but he believes the team has improved significantly compared to previous Asian Cups. "In previous matches, we always played poorly against Japan and couldn't score. But this time it was completely different," he said. "Besides scoring against Japan, the Vietnamese players also made the opponent sweat at times. Japan has tired out European teams, even beating Germany and Spain in the 2022 World Cup, and recently defeating Germany, Turkey, Canada, Peru... in friendly matches. That shows that Vietnam scoring a goal and losing 2-4 was a match where we gained more than we lost," Cong Vinh commented.

According to the former striker from Nghe An , besides the match result, Vietnam's playing style was noteworthy, showing confidence in ball possession and smooth coordination against a powerful opponent. "Coach Troussier's influence is taking shape well; he has successfully applied his philosophy of tight ball control to the players. There were situations where Vietnamese players held the ball and escaped the pressing very well despite being surrounded by Japanese players. Not every coach can apply that to their players."

In this match, coach Troussier continued to field many young players such as Dinh Bac, Tuan Tai, Thai Son, Minh Trong, Van Truong, and Van Khang. According to Cong Vinh, these players are young, inexperienced, and playing in a continental competition for the first time, yet they showed such maturity and confidence, which is no easy feat. He believes that coach Troussier has instilled confidence and a clear playing style in the players, allowing them to understand and execute it commendably.

According to Cong Vinh, avoiding a heavy defeat against Japan is a crucial opportunity for Vietnam to aim for "settling" Indonesia in the second match of Group D on January 19th. "In terms of spirit, every generation of Vietnamese players gives their all. But clearly, after the match against Japan, we have confidence in the team's playing style. I think if we continue playing like this, Vietnam will beat Indonesia and then, on this momentum, get points against Iraq."

Duc Dong

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